US20030063402A1 - Apparatus for pivoting a mirror assembly - Google Patents

Apparatus for pivoting a mirror assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030063402A1
US20030063402A1 US10/229,343 US22934302A US2003063402A1 US 20030063402 A1 US20030063402 A1 US 20030063402A1 US 22934302 A US22934302 A US 22934302A US 2003063402 A1 US2003063402 A1 US 2003063402A1
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Prior art keywords
accord
control component
anchorage
shaft
carrying arm
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Granted
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US10/229,343
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US7497580B2 (en
Inventor
Heinrich Lang
Albrecht Popp
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Lang Mekra North America LLC
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Heinrich Lang
Albrecht Popp
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Publication of US20030063402A1 publication Critical patent/US20030063402A1/en
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Priority to US12/283,833 priority Critical patent/US7682032B2/en
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Publication of US7497580B2 publication Critical patent/US7497580B2/en
Assigned to LANG-MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC reassignment LANG-MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE SPELLING OF ASSIGNEE'S NAME FROM "LANG MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC" TO "LANG-MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC" PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 014461 FRAME 0295. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Assignors: LANG, HEINRICH, POPP, ALBRECHT
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/06Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/06Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
    • B60R1/0605Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means
    • B60R1/0607Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means with remote position control adjustment
    • B60R1/0612Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means with remote position control adjustment by electrically actuated means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/06Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
    • B60R1/062Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
    • B60R1/07Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
    • B60R1/074Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators for retracting the mirror arrangements to a non-use position alongside the vehicle
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/16Alternating-motion driven device with means during operation to adjust stroke
    • Y10T74/1625Stroke adjustable to zero and/or reversible in phasing
    • Y10T74/165Driving lever with adjustable pivot point

Definitions

  • the invention concerns an apparatus for the pivotal bearing of the carrying arm of an outside mirror, which bearing is retained in an anchorage affixed to the vehicle body.
  • the purpose of the invention is to create an apparatus for a pivotal bearing for the carrying arm of an outside mirror of a motor vehicle relative to an anchorage affixed to the vehicle body, and further, the said apparatus is to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages and, in this case, to set aside especially the necessity of manually pivoting the carrying arm in respect to the said body-affixed anchorage.
  • the present invention proposes, in accord with claim 1, an apparatus for a pivotal bearing for a carrying arm for an outside mirror on a motor vehicle, relative to an anchorage affixed to a vehicle body, wherein, between the anchorage and the carrying arm, a pivot bearing is installed and whereby a pivoting motion of the carrying arm in relation to the said body-affixed anchorage, about the rotation axis of the pivot bearing is effected by an auxiliary drive which engages the pivot bearing.
  • the auxiliary drive for example, activates an externally applied torque, which is converted in a transmission mechanism within the pivot bearing into a pivoting motion.
  • Torque can be easily generated, in accord with a preferred embodiment, by a motor, especially an electric motor.
  • a transmission mechanism which is to be found in the pivot bearing, a torque is converted into a pivoting motion. Since the transmission mechanism is located in the pivot bearing, the entire, invented apparatus is compact and small. Further, with the aid of the transmission mechanism, and if necessary in connection with the motor serving as auxiliary power, a certain inherent resistance can be lent to the pivot bearing. In this way, the carrying arm, and therewith the outside mirror, is safely held in position in respect to the body-affixed anchorage. Thus the mirror resists the traveling wind and is held vibration free.
  • the angular range of the pivoting motion is advantageously limited.
  • assurance is given, that, relative to the anchorage, the carrying arm can attain two specified end positions.
  • One end position is that of the fully extended mirror and the other end position represents the completely folded in mirror.
  • the pivoting of the movement is preferably reversible by a change of rotation of the auxiliary drive, so that the mirror can pivot not only “in” but also “out”.
  • the transmission mechanism exhibits:
  • a come-along part which is in threaded engagement with the said outer threading of the shaft, is further situated proximal to the body-affixed anchorage, and upon the rotation of the shaft, moves linearly along the longitudinal axis of the said shaft;
  • a control component turnably installed in opposite to the body-affixed anchorage, which at least exhibits a control curve, which is displaceable by the come-along part, so that a linear motion of the come-along part along the shaft is converted to a rotary motion of the control component;
  • connection between the control component and the carrying arm is preferably effected by a transfer member which is turnably connected with the control component. Also, the advantages arising herefrom are more closely described in the following.
  • the come-along part can be made part of the carrying arm and the control component installed to be turnably affixed relative to the carrying arm, whereby, a connection between the control component and the body-affixed anchorage transmits a rotational movement of the control component to the body-affixed anchorage and therewith, the carrying arm, relative to the body-affixed anchorage is pivoted.
  • this embodiment or construction formulation generates, more or less, a kinematic turn-around, whereby the same effects and advantages are achievable.
  • the shaft and the control component are arranged coaxially and are placed in a bearing bushing designed as one part with the said body-affixed anchorage.
  • a bearing bushing designed as one part with the said body-affixed anchorage.
  • the come-along part possesses a mid-piece provided with an internal threading to accept the outer threading of the shaft, and has at least one lug extending therefrom, which runs in a guide groove in the bearing bushing to position the come-along part.
  • the mid-piece can be so designed, that it has available sufficient material for the construction of the threaded opening.
  • the at least one lug extending from said mid-piece runs into a guide groove made in the side of the bearing bushing, so that a precise guidance of the come-along part in reference to the bearing bushing is assured when the outer threading of the shaft turns in the threaded opening of the come-along part and therewith invokes a displacement of the said come-along.
  • two projecting lugs available which are disposed, preferably, from one another at a circumferential distance of 180°, and which run in two correspondingly separated guide grooves in the side of the bearing bushing.
  • the guidance groove(s) runs preferably parallel to the axis of pivot rotation.
  • the come-along part, relative to the bearing bushing is movable along its longitudinal axis, yet can turn relative to the bearing bushing.
  • the control component possesses preferably two control curves separated from one another by 180°, which curves are penetrated by the two said projecting lugs of the come-along part.
  • the guide groove(s) can run spirally in the bearing bushing and the control curves in the control component run in a straight line and parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot. In this case, as the come-along part moves straight down, it also is now given a turning movement because of the spiral guide grooves, which is again transmitted to a corresponding turning movement of the control component.
  • the control component preferably has the shape of a shell, which is essentially closed as to the upper part and open below. This is, first, advantageous from the standpoint of manufacturing and mounting technology and second, because of the closed upper end, it becomes possible to attach hereto a transfer plate, which imparts the pivoting motion of the control component to the carrying arm of the mirror.
  • the open end of the shell that is, the lower end, is preferably closed by a positioning disk which is penetrated by the shaft, wherein the shell is stressed between the turning bearing and the positioning disk.
  • This arrangement assures an unobstructed guidance of the control component—that is to say, guidance of the shell which forms the control component.
  • the transfer plate is preferably screwed together with the control component and the carrying arm, which is advantageous from the standpoint of assembly and maintenance.
  • the shell is at least circumferentially guided on the inside wall of the bearing bushing by a part of its longitudinal extension, then the said shell is additionally protected from any tilting moments.
  • a bearing can be placed or constructed, with which that end of the shaft remote from the turning bearing can be guided. Also, by this measure, any tilting moments are caught, which could act on the shaft.
  • FIG. 1 a cross-sectional presentation of an invented apparatus, wherein the section of FIG. 1 is taken along the line I-I of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 2 a top view onto the apparatus of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 a perspective top view of the invented apparatus
  • FIG. 4 a section through the arrangement comprising the control component, the come-along part and the shaft;
  • FIG. 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of a shell serving as a control component
  • FIG. 6 a perspective view of a variant embodiment of a shell serving as a control component.
  • An apparatus in the drawing designated by the general number 2 , in accord with FIGS. 1 to 3 , includes an anchorage 4 affixed to the body and a carrying arm 6 for an outside mirror (not shown) of a motor vehicle, wherein is placed, between the anchorage 4 and the carrying arm 6 a pivot bearing 8 .
  • This arrangement makes possible a pivoting motion on the part of the carrying arm 6 relative to the anchorage piece 4 .
  • the pivot bearing 8 possesses an axis of rotation 10 , about which the carrying arm 6 turns during its pivoting motion
  • a bearing bushing 12 is installed in the area of the pivot bearing 8 , on the anchorage 4 .
  • This bearing bushing 12 in the presentation of FIG. 1, is open at the top and closed at the bottom 14 .
  • a shaft 16 coaxial to the pivot axis 10 , and by means of a corresponding opening, this shaft 16 movably penetrates the bushing bottom 14 .
  • the shaft 16 essentially, can be considered as constructed of two sections, namely a lower section 18 , which penetrates the opening in the bushing bottom 14 and a threaded section 20 with an external thread. In the area of the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 as seen in FIG.
  • a stationary bearing 22 is placed on the anchorage 4 , which bearing, likewise, is penetrated by the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 .
  • the free end of the lower section 18 is connected with an auxiliary drive (not shown).
  • This drive can be a motor which can set the shaft 16 into a rotary motion.
  • a shell shaped control component 24 coaxial to the pivot axis 10 , is found in the bearing bushing 12 a shell shaped control component 24 (not shown in FIG. 3).
  • the control component 24 possesses an essentially closed upper end 26 and also an open lower end 28 .
  • the lower end 28 is closed by a positioning disk 30 , which is blocked by a retaining ring 32 from slipping out of the lower open end 28 of the control component 24 .
  • the said positioning disk 30 is also penetrated by the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 .
  • the control component 24 in the area of its lower end 28 is guided circumferentially on the inner wall of the bearing bushing 12 , so that the control component 24 is better protected against any tilting moment.
  • the bearing bushing 12 for this purpose, exhibits a projection 12 a.
  • the externally threaded section 20 of the shaft 16 begins.
  • This threaded section 20 is of greater diameter than the lower section 18 , so that the shaft 16 , with the said greater diameter and threaded section, can be seated on the positioning disk 30 .
  • the shaft 16 shows a recess 34 (FIG. 4), in which a ball 36 is held.
  • the ball 36 lies, as seen in FIG. 1, between the recess 34 of the shaft 16 and a complementary recess in a cover 38 , which simultaneously serves as a transfer plate.
  • the transfer plate 38 is turnably connected with the upper end 26 of the control component 24 by means of screws through corresponding borings 40 .
  • a hold-down device 42 on the anchorage 4 prevents a situation in which the transfer plate 38 in FIG. 1 is lifted upward, but, at the same time, permits a rotary motion of the said transfer plate 38 .
  • the transfer plate 38 is held turnably to the carrier arm 6 by screws 44 .
  • a come-along part 46 On the threaded section 20 of the shaft 16 , runs a come-along part 46 , the shape of which is best seen in FIG. 3, where, for the sake of clarity, the control component 24 has been omitted.
  • the come-along part 46 exhibits a mid-piece 48 , in which an internal thread 48 a is tapped for the acceptance of the outside threading of section 20 of the shaft 16 .
  • are two lugs 50 a and 50 b respectively extending radially outward from the mid-piece 48 . These lugs, 50 a and 50 b , with their outer free ends, run in the inner, circumferential wall of the bearing bushing 12 .
  • the come-along part 46 is shown, in the embodiment in the drawing, as being unturnable, but slidingly keyed to the bearing bushing 12 , and hence, in like manner affixed relative to the anchorage 4 .
  • the said come-along part 46 can move linearly along and parallel to the axis of pivot rotation 10 , whereby the direction of travel of the come-along part 46 , whether up or down, is correlated to the direction of rotation of the shaft 16 .
  • the come-along part 46 with its two lugs 50 a and 50 b which are guided by their free ends in the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b , penetrates two control curves 54 a and 54 b located in the outer circumference of the control component 24 .
  • the control curves 54 a and 54 b possess in accord with one embodiment (FIG. 5) a straight line/spiral shaped contour.
  • a starting point 56 of that curve 54 which lies proximal to the upper end 26 of the control component 24 , is somewhat circumferentially offset, in accord with FIG.
  • a lower section of the carrying arm 6 supports itself, in this arrangement, on a flange 62 , which is integral with the bearing part 22 .
  • the carrying arm 6 Upon reaching the end point 58 of the control curves 54 a and 54 b , the carrying arm 6 is, relative to the anchorage 4 , in its maximum pivoted position and the motor ends the supplying of torque to the under section 18 of the shaft 16 .
  • the stopping of the motor upon the reaching of the end point 58 can be effected, for example, by a limit switch or the like.
  • This turning motion which acts upon the carrying arm 6 by means of the transfer plate 38 , then acts to reverse the carrying arm 6 into its starting position. As soon as the lugs 50 a and 50 b have reached the starting point 56 of the control curves 54 a and 54 b , then the positioning as shown in FIG. 1 is recovered and the auxiliary motor is stopped, which had been turning the shaft 16 .
  • FIG. 6 shows a variant from FIG. 5 as to the control component 24 .
  • the control component 24 ′ as seen in FIG. 6, differs from the control component 24 , as that is depicted in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 in that, the control curves 58 a ′ and 54 b ′ do not have the continual course of the control curves 54 a and 54 b , but have a discontinuity or a bend 64 .
  • the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b in the anchorage part are designed in straight lines and parallel to the pivoting axis 10 .
  • the control curves 54 a and 54 b have somewhat the contour seen in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. This arrangement can just as well be turned about, wherein the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b can be given a screw or helical curvature, and the control curves 54 a and 54 b , of the control component 24 can be conversely designed as linear and running parallel to the pivot axis.
  • the come-along piece 46 is now set into rotary motion, because of the engagement of the lugs 50 a and 50 b in the now screw or helix contoured guide grooves 52 a and 52 b.
  • auxiliary drive means instead of a motor to act upon the lower section 18 of the shaft 16
  • the auxiliary drive for instance in the form of an electric motor, need not be directly connected onto the lower section 18 of the shaft, but can be removed therefrom, wherein a connection between the drive shaft of the motor and the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 is made over a flexible shaft or the like.
  • These flexible shafts can, upon need, also be set into rotation by the driver. In this way, the carrying arm 6 can be adjusted or pivoted in relation to the body-affixed anchorage manually by the driver, however, without any necessity that the driver must leave the driver's seat.
  • the auxiliary drive on the lower section 18 is so designed, that upon the impact of the mirror fastened on the carrying arm 6 against an obstruction, the entire apparatus 2 can rotate itself about the pivot bearing 8 , making it possible for the mirror, and the carrying arm 6 , to swing out of danger.

Abstract

A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.

Description

  • The invention concerns an apparatus for the pivotal bearing of the carrying arm of an outside mirror, which bearing is retained in an anchorage affixed to the vehicle body. [0001]
  • For a considerable time, it has been the customary practice to design the carrying arm for an outside mirror on a motor vehicle to pivot about an anchorage affixed to the body of a vehicle. The reason for this, among others, is the necessity in certain situations, to be able to fold or swing the carrying arm, and therewith the outside mirror, out of its normal outwardly extended position from the body into a folded or swung-in placement, in which the carrier arm is then, essentially parallel to the adjacent body surface. This is required, for instance, in passing through a wash apparatus or driving through particularly narrow passageways, where the extended mirror could collide with bordering obstructions. Further, by means of the capability of the carrying arm to pivot in reference to the anchorage, assurance is given, that upon an impact of the mirror against an obstacle, the carrying arm will give way, so that the outside mirror, possibly, will not be damaged. [0002]
  • The pivoting of the carrying arm when the outside mirror strikes an obstacle, is somewhat automatic. At other times, knowingly or optionally, it is always possible, to pivot the outside mirror, such as prior to driving through a narrow alley or through a vehicle wash. Up to this time, it has always been necessary, that the driver of the vehicle pivots the outside mirror by hand into the folded position. If the vehicle has an outside mirror mounted on the passenger side, as this is generally the rule, then the driver is obliged to dismount to pivot this right side mirror against the body. [0003]
  • If the motor vehicle happens to be an emergency vehicle, and at the same time a truck or a bus, then the outside mirrors are often mounted so high, that they simply cannot be reached for angular adjustment from the ground without auxiliary means. [0004]
  • Thus the purpose of the invention is to create an apparatus for a pivotal bearing for the carrying arm of an outside mirror of a motor vehicle relative to an anchorage affixed to the vehicle body, and further, the said apparatus is to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages and, in this case, to set aside especially the necessity of manually pivoting the carrying arm in respect to the said body-affixed anchorage. [0005]
  • For the achievement of this purpose, the present invention proposes, in accord with [0006] claim 1, an apparatus for a pivotal bearing for a carrying arm for an outside mirror on a motor vehicle, relative to an anchorage affixed to a vehicle body, wherein, between the anchorage and the carrying arm, a pivot bearing is installed and whereby a pivoting motion of the carrying arm in relation to the said body-affixed anchorage, about the rotation axis of the pivot bearing is effected by an auxiliary drive which engages the pivot bearing.
  • Because of the auxiliary drive, acting at the pivot bearing, the necessity is eliminated to manually pivot the carrying arm in relation to the body-affixed anchorage. Thus, the driver of the motor vehicle, by the activation of the auxiliary drive possibly by touching a button, can pivot the carrying arm in reference to the anchorage. Therefore for example, to accomplish a pivoting motion of the outside mirror on the passenger side, it is no longer necessary for the driver to make an extra dismounting from the vehicle. Also, by means of the object of the present invention, difficultly accessible outside mirrors can be easily pivoted. [0007]
  • The auxiliary drive, for example, activates an externally applied torque, which is converted in a transmission mechanism within the pivot bearing into a pivoting motion. Torque can be easily generated, in accord with a preferred embodiment, by a motor, especially an electric motor. By means of a transmission mechanism, which is to be found in the pivot bearing, a torque is converted into a pivoting motion. Since the transmission mechanism is located in the pivot bearing, the entire, invented apparatus is compact and small. Further, with the aid of the transmission mechanism, and if necessary in connection with the motor serving as auxiliary power, a certain inherent resistance can be lent to the pivot bearing. In this way, the carrying arm, and therewith the outside mirror, is safely held in position in respect to the body-affixed anchorage. Thus the mirror resists the traveling wind and is held vibration free. [0008]
  • Upon the striking of the outside mirror against an immovable obstruction, however, this inherent resistance can be overcome, so that, without other aid, the mirror will give way on its own. [0009]
  • The angular range of the pivoting motion is advantageously limited. By this limitation, assurance is given, that, relative to the anchorage, the carrying arm can attain two specified end positions. One end position is that of the fully extended mirror and the other end position represents the completely folded in mirror. [0010]
  • The pivoting of the movement is preferably reversible by a change of rotation of the auxiliary drive, so that the mirror can pivot not only “in” but also “out”. [0011]
  • In a current preferred concrete embodiment, the transmission mechanism exhibits: [0012]
  • a) a shaft, aligned with the axis of rotation of the pivot bearing, which is furnished with an outer thread at least over a partial section of its axial extent which section carries out torque conversion; [0013]
  • b) a come-along part, which is in threaded engagement with the said outer threading of the shaft, is further situated proximal to the body-affixed anchorage, and upon the rotation of the shaft, moves linearly along the longitudinal axis of the said shaft; [0014]
  • c) a control component, turnably installed in opposite to the body-affixed anchorage, which at least exhibits a control curve, which is displaceable by the come-along part, so that a linear motion of the come-along part along the shaft is converted to a rotary motion of the control component; and [0015]
  • d) a connection between the control component and the carrying arm of the mirror for the transmission of the turning movement of the control component to the carrying arm. [0016]
  • The advantages which arise because of this design, that is, this construction, are explained in detail in the following description of embodiments of the invention. [0017]
  • The connection between the control component and the carrying arm is preferably effected by a transfer member which is turnably connected with the control component. Also, the advantages arising herefrom are more closely described in the following. [0018]
  • In accord with another embodiment, the come-along part can be made part of the carrying arm and the control component installed to be turnably affixed relative to the carrying arm, whereby, a connection between the control component and the body-affixed anchorage transmits a rotational movement of the control component to the body-affixed anchorage and therewith, the carrying arm, relative to the body-affixed anchorage is pivoted. Converse to the embodiment cited further above, this embodiment or construction formulation, generates, more or less, a kinematic turn-around, whereby the same effects and advantages are achievable. [0019]
  • Preferably, the shaft and the control component are arranged coaxially and are placed in a bearing bushing designed as one part with the said body-affixed anchorage. By means of the coaxial arrangement, first the designed construction is optimal, and second the least possible footprint is achieved. [0020]
  • In an advantageous embodiment, the come-along part possesses a mid-piece provided with an internal threading to accept the outer threading of the shaft, and has at least one lug extending therefrom, which runs in a guide groove in the bearing bushing to position the come-along part. The mid-piece can be so designed, that it has available sufficient material for the construction of the threaded opening. The at least one lug extending from said mid-piece, runs into a guide groove made in the side of the bearing bushing, so that a precise guidance of the come-along part in reference to the bearing bushing is assured when the outer threading of the shaft turns in the threaded opening of the come-along part and therewith invokes a displacement of the said come-along. [0021]
  • Advantageously, in the mid-piece of the come-along are two projecting lugs available which are disposed, preferably, from one another at a circumferential distance of 180°, and which run in two correspondingly separated guide grooves in the side of the bearing bushing. By this construction, the guidance of the come-along part is especially precise and easy. [0022]
  • The guidance groove(s) runs preferably parallel to the axis of pivot rotation. Thus, the come-along part, relative to the bearing bushing, is movable along its longitudinal axis, yet can turn relative to the bearing bushing. [0023]
  • The control component possesses preferably two control curves separated from one another by 180°, which curves are penetrated by the two said projecting lugs of the come-along part. When a linear movement of the come-along part takes place along the guide grooves running parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot, then the control curves, which are penetrated by the two said projections of the come-along part, converts this linear movement into a corresponding turning motion of the control component. [0024]
  • Alternative to this the guide groove(s) can run spirally in the bearing bushing and the control curves in the control component run in a straight line and parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot. In this case, as the come-along part moves straight down, it also is now given a turning movement because of the spiral guide grooves, which is again transmitted to a corresponding turning movement of the control component. [0025]
  • The control component preferably has the shape of a shell, which is essentially closed as to the upper part and open below. This is, first, advantageous from the standpoint of manufacturing and mounting technology and second, because of the closed upper end, it becomes possible to attach hereto a transfer plate, which imparts the pivoting motion of the control component to the carrying arm of the mirror. [0026]
  • In the essentially closed end of the said shell, is to be found a turning bearing, in particular, one bearing ball, which acts between an end recess in the shaft and the transfer plate. In this way, a particularly free turning motion of the shaft is assured on the one hand, and on the other, an eased relative motion between shaft and transfer plate is achieved. [0027]
  • The open end of the shell, that is, the lower end, is preferably closed by a positioning disk which is penetrated by the shaft, wherein the shell is stressed between the turning bearing and the positioning disk. This arrangement assures an unobstructed guidance of the control component—that is to say, guidance of the shell which forms the control component. [0028]
  • The transfer plate is preferably screwed together with the control component and the carrying arm, which is advantageous from the standpoint of assembly and maintenance. [0029]
  • If, advantageously, in a further step, the shell is at least circumferentially guided on the inside wall of the bearing bushing by a part of its longitudinal extension, then the said shell is additionally protected from any tilting moments. [0030]
  • Furthermore, on the anchorage affixed to the body, a bearing can be placed or constructed, with which that end of the shaft remote from the turning bearing can be guided. Also, by this measure, any tilting moments are caught, which could act on the shaft.[0031]
  • Further details, aspects, and advantages of the present invention arise from the following description of embodiments and variations aided by reference to the drawing. There is shown in: [0032]
  • FIG. 1 a cross-sectional presentation of an invented apparatus, wherein the section of FIG. 1 is taken along the line I-I of FIG. 2; [0033]
  • FIG. 2 a top view onto the apparatus of FIG. 1; [0034]
  • FIG. 3 a perspective top view of the invented apparatus; [0035]
  • FIG. 4 a section through the arrangement comprising the control component, the come-along part and the shaft; [0036]
  • FIG. 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of a shell serving as a control component; and [0037]
  • FIG. 6 a perspective view of a variant embodiment of a shell serving as a control component.[0038]
  • An apparatus in the drawing, designated by the [0039] general number 2, in accord with FIGS. 1 to 3, includes an anchorage 4 affixed to the body and a carrying arm 6 for an outside mirror (not shown) of a motor vehicle, wherein is placed, between the anchorage 4 and the carrying arm 6 a pivot bearing 8. This arrangement makes possible a pivoting motion on the part of the carrying arm 6 relative to the anchorage piece 4.
  • The [0040] pivot bearing 8 possesses an axis of rotation 10, about which the carrying arm 6 turns during its pivoting motion
  • In the area of the [0041] pivot bearing 8, on the anchorage 4, a bearing bushing 12 is installed. This bearing bushing 12, in the presentation of FIG. 1, is open at the top and closed at the bottom 14. Further, in this bearing bushing is located a shaft 16, coaxial to the pivot axis 10, and by means of a corresponding opening, this shaft 16 movably penetrates the bushing bottom 14. The shaft 16, essentially, can be considered as constructed of two sections, namely a lower section 18, which penetrates the opening in the bushing bottom 14 and a threaded section 20 with an external thread. In the area of the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 as seen in FIG. 1, a stationary bearing 22 is placed on the anchorage 4, which bearing, likewise, is penetrated by the lower section 18 of the shaft 16. The free end of the lower section 18 is connected with an auxiliary drive (not shown). This drive can be a motor which can set the shaft 16 into a rotary motion.
  • Likewise coaxial to the [0042] pivot axis 10, is found in the bearing bushing 12 a shell shaped control component 24 (not shown in FIG. 3). The control component 24 possesses an essentially closed upper end 26 and also an open lower end 28. The lower end 28 is closed by a positioning disk 30, which is blocked by a retaining ring 32 from slipping out of the lower open end 28 of the control component 24. The said positioning disk 30 is also penetrated by the lower section 18 of the shaft 16.
  • The [0043] control component 24, in the area of its lower end 28 is guided circumferentially on the inner wall of the bearing bushing 12, so that the control component 24 is better protected against any tilting moment. The bearing bushing 12, for this purpose, exhibits a projection 12 a.
  • In FIG. 1, above the [0044] positioning disk 30, the externally threaded section 20 of the shaft 16 begins. This threaded section 20, as may be seen in FIG. 1 and also FIG. 4, is of greater diameter than the lower section 18, so that the shaft 16, with the said greater diameter and threaded section, can be seated on the positioning disk 30. At the upper end of the threaded section 20, the shaft 16 shows a recess 34 (FIG. 4), in which a ball 36 is held. The ball 36 lies, as seen in FIG. 1, between the recess 34 of the shaft 16 and a complementary recess in a cover 38, which simultaneously serves as a transfer plate. The transfer plate 38 is turnably connected with the upper end 26 of the control component 24 by means of screws through corresponding borings 40. A hold-down device 42 on the anchorage 4 prevents a situation in which the transfer plate 38 in FIG. 1 is lifted upward, but, at the same time, permits a rotary motion of the said transfer plate 38.
  • As may further be seen in FIG. 2, the [0045] transfer plate 38 is held turnably to the carrier arm 6 by screws 44.
  • On the threaded [0046] section 20 of the shaft 16, runs a come-along part 46, the shape of which is best seen in FIG. 3, where, for the sake of clarity, the control component 24 has been omitted. The come-along part 46, exhibits a mid-piece 48, in which an internal thread 48 a is tapped for the acceptance of the outside threading of section 20 of the shaft 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, are two lugs 50 a and 50 b, respectively extending radially outward from the mid-piece 48. These lugs, 50 a and 50 b, with their outer free ends, run in the inner, circumferential wall of the bearing bushing 12. Thus the come-along part 46 is shown, in the embodiment in the drawing, as being unturnable, but slidingly keyed to the bearing bushing 12, and hence, in like manner affixed relative to the anchorage 4. Thus, in the case of a rotation of the shaft 16, because of the thread engagement between the threaded section 20 and the inside threading 48 a of the come-along part 46, the said come-along part 46 can move linearly along and parallel to the axis of pivot rotation 10, whereby the direction of travel of the come-along part 46, whether up or down, is correlated to the direction of rotation of the shaft 16.
  • Best inferred from FIGS. 1 and 4, the come-along [0047] part 46 with its two lugs 50 a and 50 b, which are guided by their free ends in the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b, penetrates two control curves 54 a and 54 b located in the outer circumference of the control component 24. The control curves 54 a and 54 b, possess in accord with one embodiment (FIG. 5) a straight line/spiral shaped contour. A starting point 56 of that curve 54, which lies proximal to the upper end 26 of the control component 24, is somewhat circumferentially offset, in accord with FIG. 5, relative to an end point 58, relative to the axis of rotation 10 of the pivot, so that the control curves 54 a and 54 b have a course corresponding to a section of a screw thread or a helix. Furthermore, in FIG. 5, the upper opening 60 is visible, which is penetrated by the upper free end of the shaft 16 with the recess 34 The operation and manner of functioning of the apparatus 2, in accord with the invention, with the design outlined above is as follows:
  • The assumption is made, that at the beginning of the pivoting action, the apparatus finds itself in the position shown in FIG. 1. That is, the come-along [0048] part 46 lies in the upper end area of the threaded section 20 in immediate propinquity to the closing top 26 of the control component 24, so that the lugs 50 a and 50 b are situated at the respective starting points 56 of the control curves 54 a and 54 b. A driving torque on the lower section 18, for example, a torque from a motor, puts the shaft 16 into rotation. The come-along part 46 remains unturnable, as its same lugs 50 a and 50 b extend also beyond the said curves into the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b on the anchorage 4.
  • Because of this, and by means of the thread engagement between the threaded [0049] section 20 and the threading 48 a in the mid-piece 48 of the come-along part 46, the said come-along part 46 now moves—with a corresponding rotary motion of the shaft 16 being presupposed—from the position in FIG. 1, without turning, downward in the direction of the lower end 28, i.e. toward the positioning disk 30.
  • The movement, both linear and downward, of the come-along [0050] part 46, is converted by the said lugs in the inclined, or screw like shaped control curve 54 a and 54 b into a corresponding rotary motion of the control component 24. The rotary motion of the control component 24 is communicated to the top cover or transfer plate 38 by means of screw fastenings in the borings 40, by an extension therefrom fastened by screws 44 to the carrying arm 6.
  • A lower section of the carrying [0051] arm 6 supports itself, in this arrangement, on a flange 62, which is integral with the bearing part 22. Upon reaching the end point 58 of the control curves 54 a and 54 b, the carrying arm 6 is, relative to the anchorage 4, in its maximum pivoted position and the motor ends the supplying of torque to the under section 18 of the shaft 16.
  • The stopping of the motor upon the reaching of the end point [0052] 58 (as well as the start point 56) can be effected, for example, by a limit switch or the like.
  • For the reverse pivoting of the carrying [0053] arm 6, in relation to the anchorage 4, back into its start position, the direction of rotation of the of the torque affecting the shaft 16 is reversed, so that the come-along part 46 in FIG. 1 is moved from below to above, as seen in FIG. 1. By this movement, the lugs 50 a and 50 b in the control curves 54 a, 54 b again carry out a corresponding turning motion of the control component 24.
  • This turning motion, which acts upon the carrying [0054] arm 6 by means of the transfer plate 38, then acts to reverse the carrying arm 6 into its starting position. As soon as the lugs 50 a and 50 b have reached the starting point 56 of the control curves 54 a and 54 b, then the positioning as shown in FIG. 1 is recovered and the auxiliary motor is stopped, which had been turning the shaft 16.
  • FIG. 6 shows a variant from FIG. 5 as to the [0055] control component 24. The control component 24′ as seen in FIG. 6, differs from the control component 24, as that is depicted in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 in that, the control curves 58 a′ and 54 b′ do not have the continual course of the control curves 54 a and 54 b, but have a discontinuity or a bend 64. By means of this course of the control curves 54 a′ and 54 b′, the pivoting procedure between the anchorage 4 and the carrying arm 6 is provided with a definite characteristic, for example, a slow pivoting at start, followed by a more rapid pivoting in a mid zone corresponding to the bend 64 and then again a slow rotating movement when approaching the end position. Obviously, other forms of the control curves deviating from FIG. 6 are possible.
  • Within the framework of the invention, a multiplicity of modifications and alterations is possible, which will be described in the following. [0056]
  • In the previously described and illustrated embodiments, the [0057] guide grooves 52 a and 52 b in the anchorage part are designed in straight lines and parallel to the pivoting axis 10. Further, the control curves 54 a and 54 b have somewhat the contour seen in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. This arrangement can just as well be turned about, wherein the guide grooves 52 a and 52 b can be given a screw or helical curvature, and the control curves 54 a and 54 b, of the control component 24 can be conversely designed as linear and running parallel to the pivot axis. In the case of a threadedly forced movement of the come-along part either down or up as directed by the thread engagement between the threaded section 20 and the inner thread 48 a in the mid-piece 48 of the come-along part 46, the come-along piece 46 is now set into rotary motion, because of the engagement of the lugs 50 a and 50 b in the now screw or helix contoured guide grooves 52 a and 52 b.
  • Since the said lugs [0058] 50 a and 50 b, are also engaged with the now straight line control curves 54 a and 54 b on the control component 24, the rotation is communicated again onto the control component 24, then from there, as before, onto the transfer plate 38 and so onto the carrying arm 6. Upon a movement of the come-along part 46 in FIG. 1 from bottom to top, then the direction of motion of the carrying arm 6 is correspondingly reversed.
  • In a further embodiment, consideration can be given to an arrangement wherein both the [0059] guide grooves 52 a and 52 b, as well as the control curves 54 a and 54 b run in screw or helix shape, or be otherwise (see FIG. 6) contoured. In this arrangement, a motion superimposition can be achieved, and the pivoting procedure given optional characteristics.
  • Further, a complete reversal of the arrangement is possible, if the bearing [0060] bushing 12 is constructed as a part of the carrying arm 6. In such a case, the come-along 46 now relates to the carrying arm 6 and the control component 24 is to turn with the carrying arm 6. A connection, somewhat similar to that of the transfer plate 38, transfers a rotary motion between the control component 24 and the body based anchorage 4, and on account of this, the carrying arm 6 once again pivots relative to the said anchorage 4.
  • Further, in this variation, the additional, above mentioned variations in contours of the guide grooves and control curves can be equivalently employed. [0061]
  • An additional possibility is, to allow another auxiliary drive means instead of a motor to act upon the [0062] lower section 18 of the shaft 16, this could be, for example, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder, the piston rod of which would engage a lever on the said lower section 18. Further, the auxiliary drive, for instance in the form of an electric motor, need not be directly connected onto the lower section 18 of the shaft, but can be removed therefrom, wherein a connection between the drive shaft of the motor and the lower section 18 of the shaft 16 is made over a flexible shaft or the like. These flexible shafts can, upon need, also be set into rotation by the driver. In this way, the carrying arm 6 can be adjusted or pivoted in relation to the body-affixed anchorage manually by the driver, however, without any necessity that the driver must leave the driver's seat.
  • In any case, the auxiliary drive on the [0063] lower section 18 is so designed, that upon the impact of the mirror fastened on the carrying arm 6 against an obstruction, the entire apparatus 2 can rotate itself about the pivot bearing 8, making it possible for the mirror, and the carrying arm 6, to swing out of danger.

Claims (20)

Claimed is:
1. An apparatus for a bearing for pivotal movement of a carrying arm (6) for an outside mirror of a motor vehicle in relation to an anchorage (4) affixed to the body, wherein, between the anchorage (4) and the carrying arm (6) a pivot bearing (8) is placed, and wherein a pivoting movement of the carrying arm (6) relative to the anchorage (4), about the pivot axis (10) of the pivot bearing (8) is effected by an auxiliary drive engaging the said pivot bearing (8).
2. An apparatus in accord with claim 1, therein characterized, in that the auxiliary drive is an external torque applied to the pivot bearing (8), which by means of a transmission mechanism placed in the pivot bearing (8), is converted into a pivoting motion.
3. An apparatus in accord with claim 1 or 2, therein characterized, in that, the angular area of the pivoting movement is limited.
4. An apparatus in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the pivotal movement is reversible by means of reversing the direction of rotation of the auxiliary drive.
5. An apparatus in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the auxiliary drive is a motor, in particular an electric motor.
6. An apparatus, in accord with one of the claims 2 to 5, therein characterized, in that the transmission mechanism includes:
a) a shaft (16) aligned with the pivot axis (10) of the pivot bearing (8), which, at least over a partial section of its longitudinal extent exhibits an outside thread (20) and to which shaft (16) the torque is transferred;
b) a come-along (46) part, which is in threaded engagement with the outside thread (20) of the shaft (16), and which moves relative to the body anchorage (4), and upon the rotation of the shaft (16) is linearly movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft (16);
c) a control component (24), rotatably movable relative to the body affixed anchorage (4), which possesses at least one control curve (54 a, 54 b), which is penetrated by the come-along (46), so that a linear movement of the come-along part (46) along the shaft (16) is converted into a rotation motion of the control component (24), and
d) a connection between the control component (24) and the carrying arm (6) of the mirror for the transfer of the rotating movement of the control component (24) to the carrying arm (6).
7. An apparatus in accord with claim 6, therein characterized, in that the connection between the control component (24) and the carrying arm (6) is made by a transfer plate (38) which rotates with the said control component (24).
8. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 2 to 5 and 7, therein characterized, in that the come-along part (46) is placed in relation to the carrying arm (6) and the control component (24) is affixed to turn with the carrying arm (6), whereby a connection between the control component (24) and the body-affixed anchorage (4) transfers a turning motion of the control component (24) to abut against the body-affixed anchorage (4) whereby, the carrying arm (6) is caused to pivot relative to the body-affixed anchorage (4).
9. An apparatus in accord with claim 6, therein characterized, in that the shaft (16) and the control component (24) are coaxially arranged and received in a pivot bushing (12) on the body-affixed anchorage (4).
10. An apparatus in accord with claim 6, 7 or 9, therein characterized, in that the come-along part (46) possesses a mid-piece (48) provided with an internally threaded opening to receive the outside threaded section (20) of the shaft (16) and, for positioning the come-along part (46), possesses at least one projecting lug (50), which runs in a guide groove (52) constructed in the pivot bushing (12).
11. An apparatus in accord with claim 10, therein characterized, in that two lugs (50 a, 50 b) are peripherally disposed about the mid-piece (48), preferable separated at 180° and which said lugs run in two correspondingly separated guide grooves (52 a, 52 b) of the pivot bushing (12).
12. An apparatus in accord with claim 10 or 11, therein characterized, in that the guide groove or the guide grooves (52 a, 52 b) runs or run parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot.
13. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 6 to 12, therein characterized, in that the control component (24) possesses two circumferentially placed control curves (54 a, 54 b, 54 a′, 54 b′) which are penetrated by the lugs (50 a, 50 b) of the come-along part (46).
14. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 6 to 11 and 13, therein characterized
in that the guide groove or guide grooves (52 a, 52 b) runs or run in a spiral manner in the pivot bushing (12) and
in that the control curves (54 a, 54 b) in the control component (24) are straight line in shape and parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot axis (10).
15. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 6 to 14, therein characterized, in that the control component has the shape of a shell, which is essentially closed at the top and open at the bottom.
16. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 6 to 15, therein characterized, in that in the essentially closed end (26) of the shell is placed a turning bearing (36), in particular one bearing ball, which acts between one end surface of the shaft (16) and the transfer plate (38).
17. An apparatus in accord with claim 15 or 16, therein characterized, in that the open end (28) of the shell is closed by a positioning disk (30), which disk is penetrated by the shaft (16), whereby the shell is stressed between the turning bearing (36) and the positioning disk (30).
18. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 7 to 17, therein characterized, in that the transfer plate (38) is in threaded engagement with the control component (24) and the carrying arm (6).
19. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 9 to 18, therein characterized, in that the shell (24) is guided by at least one part of its longitudinal, circumferential extent on the inner wall bearing bushing 12 which is constructed on the body-affixed anchorage (4).
20. An apparatus in accord with one of the claims 6 to 19, characterized by a bearing (22) located on the body-affixed anchorage (4) for the guidance of that end section of the shaft (16) which is remote from the turning bearing (36).
US10/229,343 2001-10-02 2002-08-27 Apparatus for pivoting a mirror assembly Expired - Fee Related US7497580B2 (en)

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DE10148611A DE10148611B4 (en) 2001-10-02 2001-10-02 Device for the pivotable mounting of a support arm for an outside mirror

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BR0203992A (en) 2003-06-24
US20090040637A1 (en) 2009-02-12
ATE289928T1 (en) 2005-03-15
DE10148611A1 (en) 2003-04-24
BR0203992B1 (en) 2012-05-15
DE10148611B4 (en) 2005-01-27
JP2003118489A (en) 2003-04-23
KR20030028706A (en) 2003-04-10
US7497580B2 (en) 2009-03-03
EP1300288A2 (en) 2003-04-09
ES2236416T3 (en) 2005-07-16
CN1408583A (en) 2003-04-09
DE50202360D1 (en) 2005-04-07
EP1300288A3 (en) 2004-02-04
US7682032B2 (en) 2010-03-23
EP1300288B1 (en) 2005-03-02
JP3734786B2 (en) 2006-01-11

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